Pacific Park
Ready to visit LA’s only admission-free amusement park? Pacific Park in Santa Monica is the perfect reason to arrange an RV road trip to California.
Event information
Imagine being able to walk along a white, sandy beach, dine in a restaurant, then jump aboard a 45-foot drop tower? Oh, and then to add to the appeal, you can settle in for a spot of shopping or some live entertainment.
It might sound impossible for this all to happen in one place, but that’s precisely what’s on offer at Pacific Park, Santa Monica Pier.
This year-round amusement park spans nearly one acre in Santa Monica, California, and has been making visitors smile since its inception in the mid-1990s.
It’s home to the world’s first solar-powered Ferris Wheel and has even appeared in over 500 TV shows and movies. A visit to Pacific Park puts you on the set of Fat Albert, Hannah Montana, and the video game Grand Theft Auto V.
Entry to the open-gate amusement park is free, and visitors merely need to ensure they bring enough money for the rides, dining experiences, and entertainment.
After a day of riding merry-go-rounds and bumper cars, and partaking in midway games and shopping, road-trippers can then check out what else there is to do in California.
Take a day trip to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Or why not visit one of the many other state parks near Santa Monica, California? The world’s your oyster. It’s time to book an RV rental in California and set off on a new adventure.
Tickets
Pacific Park operates with an open-gate policy, which means that visitors don’t need to pay to enter. For the traveling family, that’s most certainly good news!
Once inside, families merely need to pay for the games, rides, and entertainment in which they partake. Online unlimited ride passes are also available, while games have varied in price up to about $6. Of course, it also helps to have a few extra dollars for shopping and a bite to eat.
Explore Pacific Park RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The beachfront city of Santa Monica is a desirable destination for any vacationer. It’s bordered by several bustling towns and cities like Brentwood and Venice, and lives up to its motto of “happy people in a happy city.”
Once you check out a traffic aid like QuickMap, you can make your way to the city on the most uncongested route. I-10 is the most direct freeway but is also one of the busiest. The city also forms the western terminus of Historic U.S. Route 66.
Upon arriving at Pacific Park along Santa Monica Pier, travelers will be amazed by the views of the Pacific Ocean and out to Catalina Island.
Parking areas
There are several parking lots along Santa Monica Pier, with many just a short walk from Pacific Park. Anyone in a campervan or tow vehicle can park in any of the paid parking spaces along Santa Monica Pier.
However, for road-trippers navigating Los Angeles County in their big rig, Lot 1 North is the best place to secure a parking space. The Civic Center Lot also has oversized parking spaces next to it. Expect to pay more for RV parking than standard vehicle parking during your visit to Pacific Park.
Public Transportation
An RV is the best way to get to many attractions in Santa Monica, such as Topanga State Park and Tuna Canyon Park. However, while navigating the inner city, the area’s top-notch public transportation network is worth familiarizing yourself with for travel in Southern California.
You can rent electric scooters to get around Santa Monica and down to Pacific Park. You can also jump aboard the Santa Monica Circuit in golf cart-style cabs.
Otherwise, be a part of the smart bike system, ride the light rail, or jump aboard the Metro Expo light rail.
For those who have made use of rideshare services, there is a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point outside the Pier Parking Lot entrance. Being able to leave your motorhome at a Santa Monica RV campground has never been easier.
Where to stay
Onsite
It’s fortunate for vacationers to California that some of the top RV parks & campgrounds near Santa Monica are proximate to Pacific Park. Therefore, even though travelers can’t park their motorhome overnight at the pier, they can be near it for quick and easy access daily. Don’t delay in looking for a Santa Monica RV campground before your first choice is snapped up.
Nearby
Finding somewhere to camp overnight in Santa Monica is not as tricky as travelers might think. Dockweiler RV Park and Malibu Beach RV Park, for example, are under 20 miles from Pacific Park. On the way to Palmdale, visitors can also spend a night at Acton Los Angeles North KOA, under an hour’s drive from Santa Monica Pier.
Those who fancy primitive RV camping, and don’t mind traveling from a little further out, may also like to check out Castaic Lake State Recreation Area. Within 40 miles of Pacific Park, it’s an ideal spot for boat rentals hiking, fishing, and camping.
Getting around
Given how busy the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park can be at any time of the year, the best way to get around is on foot. The main parking lots are within walking distance of Pacific Park, and the beach is a stone’s throw away. Personal transportation will be better suited to non-sandy attractions in California, like Angeles National Forest. Still, bike rental is available along Santa Monica State Beach.
What to pack
Clothing
Throughout the year, temperatures in Santa Monica are reasonably mild. As a result, any trip to the beach can see the need for shorts, t-shirts, and breathable footwear. Still, it pays to check a weather app before venturing out and considering the best clothing for amusement park rides at Pacific Park, too.
Gear
With so many fun things to do at Pacific Park, there isn’t a great need to bring much with you after parking your motorhome. Cash and payment cards can be useful for shopping and entertainment, but camping and cooking equipment are best left in your motorhome. Anyone looking to make a few purchases may like to bring a small backpack.
Health & Safety
Spending a full day at the beach can be an excellent way to pass the time. However, the sunshine can take its toll. Remain hydrated throughout the day, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly. For anyone visiting natural attractions like Point Mugu State Park, for example, it also pays to take a fully-stocked first-aid kit and bug spray.
Where to eat
Cooking
Visitors to Pacific Park won’t be able to haul out their charcoal cooker, but there are plenty of options for cooking at Santa Monica RV campgrounds. Make use of your RV rental’s onboard kitchen appliances, or ask your host about communal kitchens. Better yet, use your new surroundings as an excuse to try new things, like camp tacos. There are markets and grocery stores within five miles of Pacific Park.
Restaurants
Any visitor to Pacific Park who brings their wallet will not go hungry. Nor will they be disappointed with the offerings along Santa Monica Pier. From cafes offering delicious coffee and baked goods to seafood and takeout, what more could you need? Grab a bite to eat and wander down to Venice Beach after a full day at Pacific Park.
Vendors
Dining at Pacific Park and around Santa Monica Pier is a memorable experience. Don’t forget to bring cash and payment cards to make the most of your visit. Traditional Californian fare, like burgers and corn dogs, are available by the park’s main entrance. Fresh, made-to-order pizzas and funnel cakes will sweeten the deal, while ocean-front public seating completes the package.
Safety
Security
While there is no gated entrance to Pacific Park, visitors are expected to keep everyone around them as safe as possible. It’s best to pop anything damaging or dangerous back in your motorhome and store any valuables out of sight in your locked RV. Pacific Park workers are also always on hand to lend a helping hand if you need it.
Otherwise, visitors to Santa Monica can visit the nearest police station within six miles of Pacific Park for assistance.
Weather
Mild year-round weather in Santa Monica, California, means that visitors can enjoy balmy conditions during most of their time in Los Angeles County. Summer months tend to bring about average highs of 70+ degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to the mid-70s during winter.
Still, road-trippers may like to refer to a weather station before trekking into Cleveland National Forest or other attractions in the area. Always travel prepared with a first-aid kit and drinking water.
Medical
Any visitor to Pacific Park can expect the best care from the workers, and this includes first-aid assistance. First-aid help is available for any cut, scrape, or minor injury. For anything serious, dial 911. One of the closest hospitals to Pacific Park is within 20 miles. There is also a pharmacy within four miles for medical supplies.
